About the song
Rod Stewart’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a cover of a Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) song originally written and performed by John Fogerty. While Stewart’s version maintains the core melody and lyrics, his interpretation adds a layer of introspection and melancholy that differs from CCR’s original.
Background:
- Original by CCR (1970): The song was released during a tumultuous time in American history, marked by the Vietnam War and social unrest. Fogerty’s lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on the deceptively calm surface of a society facing underlying turmoil.
- Stewart’s Cover (2006): Stewart’s version, featured on his album “Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time,” strips back some of the original’s rock elements, emphasizing the acoustic guitar and Stewart’s distinctive vocals. This gives the song a more personal, reflective feel.
Themes:
- Contradictions and Juxtapositions: The central theme is the contrast between appearance and reality. The lyrics speak of a “calm before the storm” and rain falling on a “sunny day,” highlighting the paradoxes and unexpected turns life can take.
- Uncertainty and Change: The song conveys a sense of unease about the future, questioning whether the good times can last. The repeated question “Have you ever seen the rain?” suggests a longing for clarity and understanding in the face of uncertainty.
- Personal Interpretation: While the song can be interpreted politically, Stewart’s version seems to focus more on personal struggles and emotional turmoil. His delivery hints at a weariness and resignation, as if acknowledging the inevitability of life’s challenges.
Overall, Rod Stewart’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a poignant reflection on life’s contradictions and uncertainties. While retaining the essence of CCR’s original, Stewart’s interpretation adds a layer of personal introspection, making it a timeless and relatable piece of music.
Video
Lyrics
Someone told me long agoThere’s a calm before the stormI knowIt’s been comin’ for some timeWhen it’s over, so they sayIt’ll rain a sunny dayI knowShinin’ down like water
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?I want to know, have you ever seen the rainComin’ down on a sunny day?
Yesterday, and days beforeSun is cold and rain is hardI knowBeen that way for all my time‘Til forever, on it goesThrough the circle, fast and slowI knowIt can’t stop, I wonder
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?I want to know, have you ever seen the rainComin’ down on a sunny day?
Yeah
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?I want to know, have you ever seen the rainComin’ down on a sunny day?